Spreading the message : Public relations and Communication in the life and work of Prophet muhammad (PBUH) Kirat Mohamed, Head Department of Public Relations, College of Communication, University of Sharjah. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful. Abstract Public relations and communication played a strategic role in the life and work of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH) to disseminate and spread Islam. The task was to disseminate the teachings of Islam and to explain and elaborate on issues which were not explained fully in the Quran, through Hadith and Sunna (Essira Anabawia) - the daily life and conduct of Prophet Muhammad. The mission was not simple and required a lot of skills, characteristics and qualities to introduce a new way of life, values, concepts and principles to the people in the Arabic peninsula and around the globe. As a universal religion for all times and all humanity, Islam is a religion based on communication and public relations. Its principles are founded on democracy, freedom of speech, the right to know, the right of political opposition, the respect of human beings and human rights. Furthermore, Islam is a religion of tolerance, conviction, logic and science. All of these principles need communication, public relations, persuasion and logical thinking to be understood, adopted and practiced in real life by all Muslims. ‘Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom And beautiful preaching; And argue with them in ways that are best And most gracious: For thy lord knoweth best, Who have strayed from His path, and who receive guidance’.(Al Nahl:125) ‘And who could be better of speech than he who calls [his fellow-men] unto god, and does what is just and right, and says, “Verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves to god?”’(Fussilat:33) ‘Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you forget your own selves- and yet you recite the divine writ? Will you not, then, use your reason?’ (Al Baqarah:44) ‘O mankind we created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise (Each other). Verily The most honoured of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge And is well-acquainted (With all things)’ [Alhujurat:13]. Top |